Mechanic Intern (High School)

THE POSITION

NOTE: THIS IS A REPOSTING OF N-2026-47661 WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY OPEN FROM APRIL 17, 2026 TO MAY 16, 2026.  PREVIOUS APPLICANTS DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY.

Are you a high school student interested in learning real mechanic skills and exploring a hands-on career path? This paid internship in Mercer County is a great opportunity to start building your future with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced mechanics and gain practical experience working on construction equipment. You will learn how mechanical systems function, develop foundational repair and maintenance skills, and get exposure to a real-world shop environment. If you are ready to grow your skills, gain valuable experience, and take the first step toward a rewarding career, apply today.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this internship, you will assist Mechanics with a variety of analytical, preventative maintenance, and repair tasks for a fleet of construction equipment, trucks, automobiles, and hand tools. You will gain hands-on experience working on hydraulic, electrical, heating, cooling, and exhaust systems, as well as both manual and automatic transmissions. Under direct supervision, you will learn to use tools and equipment such as hand grinders, drills, diagnostic tools, acetylene torches, arc welders, and air-powered tools.

Work Schedule and Additional Information: 

• Work schedule will vary based on agreement between high school and COPA location
• High School Internship for the 2026-2027 School Year - Beginning 07/01/26 - 06/30/27.
• Work may begin on July 1, 2026 for students age 16+, provided their participating school offers supervision. For all others, the start date will be August/September 2026.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position. 
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Internship Requirements:

• You must be at least 16 years of age.
• You must be a junior or senior enrolled in high school during the 2026 - 2027 school year.  

Additional Requirements:

• Letter of Recommendation: You must attach a Letter of Recommendation from your school’s co-op coordinator, career or guidance counselor, or similar designated school professional indicating you meet your school’s requirements and are being recommended for this opportunity.
• By participating in this program, the student and school agree to use the Commonwealth’s Training Plan, Statement of Responsibilities, and Student Performance Evaluation. Forms will be provided to the student upon acceptance of this position.
• Work Permit: Minors will be required to submit their Work Permit upon acceptance of this position.
• You must be a vo-tech (career and technical center) student in an approved vocational program that has provided preparation and training for the duties of this internship. 
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements: 

• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.   
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. 

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov